Detectives of the Drug and Organised Crime Squad have serious safety concerns for children exposed to possible illicit drugs after seizing a quantity of synthetic drugs from Darwin High School.
143 tabs of an unknown substance were seized from a student yesterday who Police will allege had supplied some of the drugs to other students at the school. Detectives are now issuing a warning to students and parents of the dangers of these drugs
“What is most disturbing is that the compounds of the drugs are presently unknown,” said Commander Richard Bryson of the Crime Command.
“We are currently testing the seized drugs but unfortunately criminal groups around the world continually produce new synthetic drugs and distribute these around the world to bypass existing drug laws. As a result it may take us some time to positively identify the active substances in this seizure.”
We do know that these drugs can and do often produce serious side effects that have resulted in deaths previously in Australia.
“We commend the Principal of the school for bringing this matter to police attention in a timely manner, and Police are now working in cooperation with the school administration to ensure all students and parents are informed of the risks and given appropriate counsel.
“Our main focus at the moment is to warn people who are in possession of theses illicit drugs not to take them and hand them to Police.
“Parents need to speak with their children. The message is clear. Taking illicit drugs is dangerous and potentially deadly.”
Thankfully no cases have been reported at Royal Darwin Hospital or by St John Ambulance at this time however Police are concerned that there may still be a quantity of drugs unaccounted for and some of these drugs may have been distributed amongst students.
The seized tabs resemble small pieces of cardboard about half the size of a small fingernail and the thickness of a postage stamp, referred to as tabs or LSD tabs.
Police urge anyone who may have ingested an illicit drug, or know of anyone who may have, to check on them or seek medical treatment. Anyone with information about these drugs is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
